Book stand and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A book stand comprising a shelf and two tension rods. The two tension rods extend horizontally to support the book stand between two generally parallel support structures, such as, walls of an enclosure. Additionally, the book stand may be placed on a support frame, wherein the support frame comprises adjustable knobs to change the angle of the shelf of the book stand. Accordingly, a user can read a book placed on the book stand without requiring a user&#39;s hands to support the book and without requiring a flat surface to support the book stand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a book stand, and more specifically to a book stand comprising a shelf and two tension rods. The two tension rods extend horizontally between two generally parallel support structures, allowing the user to read while standing.

2. Description of Related Art

Typically, books, magazines and other reading materials are placed on a variety of devices to allow a user to read a book without holding the reading material. However, most book stands and/or frames are limited to placement on top of a flat surface, such as, a desk or floor. As such, books readers must have a flat surface on which to place the book stand and/or frame. Further, most devices do not support a book without a frame, such that they are incapable of allowing a user to place a book holder between two parallel support structures, thereby allowing a user to read while standing.

Several devices have attempted to alleviate the aforementioned problems associated with book stands and/or frames. One such device is a book support with sprung feet. The adjustment of the feet allows a user to raise the overall height of the device. While such a device is capable of holding a book and perhaps adjusting the height for a reader that is standing, the device requires a flat surface to support the stand. Accordingly, the device does not allow a user to place the book holder between support structures, such that a user could read while standing in the shower.

Another device teaches a book stand with an “M” shaped frame, wherein the bottom portion of the frame supports the edge of reading material and the upper portion of the frame supports reading material in a reclined position. However, the device does not allow a user to read while standing and the user must have a flat surface to support the frame. As such, the device does not allow a user to support a book between two generally parallel walls, such as a book shelf, thereby enabling the user to read while standing up, for example, when a user is cooking and needs to maximize counter space.

Another device is a hinged folding book support that is adjustable into an “L” shape to support a book while a person is seated in chair. While this device allows a user to read without holding the reading material, it does not allow the user to read while lying down. For example, if a user is in a hospital bed and laying horizontal, the device does not allow a user to place the book support between the two sides of a hospital bed to secure the book stand.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a book support that can support reading materials by placing the book holder between support walls, thereby enabling the user to read while standing up or lying down and without the need for a flat surface to support the book stand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a book stand and method of use thereof, wherein the book stand comprises a shelf hinged to a frame and two tension rods. The two tension rods are extended horizontally to support the book stand between two walls and/or support structures.

The book stand allows a user to position the book stand at any selected angle to read a book without utilizing a support frame, thereby allowing the user to read while standing up, for example, when a reader is working out or taking a shower. Additionally, the book stand allows the user to place the book stand between two support structures via the tension rods, thereby allowing the user to read while laying down. As such, this apparatus is particularly suited to allow a user to comfortably read while laying in a bunk-bed or a bathtub, wherein the tensioning rods are disposed between the pads or other side portions of the bunk-bed, or in the bathtub, wherein the tensioning rods are disposed against the sides of the tub to retain the book stand at a selected angle for reading. Further, where desired, the book stand can be folded into a flat configuration and disposed across the sides of the tub, lying thereon to form a tray structure.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a book stand and method of use thereof, wherein the book stand comprises a shelf and two tension rods. The shelf attaches to a frame via hinges, wherein the shelf comprises a retaining edge, one of the two tension rods and at least one clip to secure the book to the shelf. The frame comprises two hingable legs and one of the two tension rods. The two tension rods extend horizontally between two generally parallel support structures, such as, for exemplary purposes, two walls of an enclosure.

Additionally, the book stand cooperatively engages a support frame. The support frame comprises a first left bar that is pivotally secured to a second left bar and a first right bar that is pivotally secured to a second right bar. The first left bar and the first right bar move in tandem. Likewise, the second left bar and the second right bar move in tandem. Further, the first left bar and the second left bar are secured at a selected angle by a pivoting left base bar. Similarly, the first right bar and the second right bar are secured at a selected angle by a pivoting right base bar. An end of the left base bar locks the first left bar and the second left bar at their selected angle. An end of the right base bar locks the first right bar and the second right bar at their selected angle. Further, a top end of the second left bar and a top end of the second right bar each comprise a knob. The knobs allow a user to adjust the angle of the shelf portion of the book stand when it is placed on the support frame.

The book stand provides a method of reading a book. The user unhinges the book stand into the shelf and the frame. The user then places the book onto the shelf and, if desired, clips the book onto the shelf. The user then extends the two tension rods horizontally to support the book stand between two generally parallel support structures or walls. The shelf and the frame, with corresponding tension rods can be hinged into a variety of support configurations, such as, without limitation, a flat structure, an inverted ‘V,’ collapsed with the frame proximate to the shelf, the frame positioned flat, wherein the shelf is positioned at an angle to the frame, and the like. The user also has the option of placing the shelf on the support frame by hinging the shelf and the frame together. The user then places the shelf on the support frame and adjusts the angle of the shelf via the knobs on the support frame.

Alternatively, the present invention is an apparatus comprising a hinged shelf and two tension rods. The hinged shelf comprises a retaining edge to support the book and the tension rods extend horizontally when the hinged shelf is in use. The hinged shelf could also be placed on a support frame comprising a first left bar pivotally secured to a second left bar, wherein the support frame further comprises a first right bar pivotally secured to a second right bar. The first left bar and the first right bar move in tandem. Similarly, the second left bar and the second right bar move in tandem. Further, the first left bar and the second left bar are secured at a selected angle by a pivoting left base bar. Similarly, the first right bar and the second right bar are secured at a selected angle by a pivoting right base bar.

An end of the left base bar locks the first left bar and the second left bar at their selected angle. An end of the right base bar locks the first right bar and the second right bar at their selected angle. Further, a top end of the second left bar and a top end of the second right bar each comprise a knob. The knobs allow a user to adjust the angle of the shelf portion of the book stand when it is placed on the support frame. Accordingly, one advantage of the book stand is its ability to allow the user to place and support the book stand between two generally parallel support structures via the tension rods, or, alternatively, support the book stand on a support frame if there are no suitably available walls.

In particular, the support frame structure provides support without a crossbar between the left and right sides thereof, providing an open area that allows the legs to be placed on either side of an object. Thus, the book stand with its associated support frame is particularly suited for reading in bed, such as for those convalescing in a hospital. In this use, the support frame is placed over the legs of the person, wherein the bars of the support frame are disposed on either side of the person's legs.

More specifically, the present invention is a book stand, wherein the book stand comprises a shelf and two tension rods. The shelf comprises a retaining edge, one of the two tension rods and clips, wherein the clips are adapted to secure the book to the shelf. The shelf attaches to a frame via hinges, wherein the frame comprises hinged legs, along with one of the two tension rods. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the shelf can attach to the frame via any sort of fastener other than hinges, such as, for exemplary purposes a pivotable clasp or clip.

In use, the book stand is pivoted open, wherein the shelf is unhinged from the frame. The reader then places the book onto the shelf and attaches the book to the shelf via the clips. The reader then lengthens the first and second tension rods by twisting and/or pulling the tension rods horizontally until the tension rods contact walls. Once the tension rods, which are spring-loaded, contact the walls, the tension rods push against the walls, providing the reader with a rigid support to hold the book stand. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the tension rods could be shortened and/or lengthened via any sort of mechanism, such as for exemplary purposes a cam-lock or a spring. Additionally, the shelf and the frame, with corresponding tension rods can be hinged into a variety of support configurations, such as, the shelf collapsed proximate the frame, the shelf and frame extending into a flat plane, an inverted ‘V’, and the like.

In an extension of the preferred embodiment, a user places the book stand on a support frame, which comprises a first left bar, a second left bar, a left base bar, a first right bar, a second right bar, a right base bar, wherein the base bars have grooves therein to engage a pin on the first bars to selectively lock the support frame in an open disposition. The first left bar is pivotally secured to the second left bar and the first right bar is pivotally secured to the second right bar. Both the first left bar and the first right bar move in tandem. Likewise, the second left bar and the second right bar move in tandem. The first left bar and the second left bar are secured in a selected position by pivoting the left base bar.

The first right bar and the second right bar are secured in a selected position by pivoting the right base bar. When the left base bar is flat, a pivot end of the left base bar locks the second left bar and a groove end of the left base bar locks the first left bar, whereby the first and second left bars form a ‘X’ configuration. Likewise, when the right base bar is flat, a pivot end of the right base bar locks the second right bar and a groove end of the right base bar locks the first right bar, whereby the first and second left bars form a ‘X’ configuration. A top end of the second left bar and a top end of the second right bar each comprise a knob. The knobs allow a user to adjust the angle of the shelf portion of the book stand when it is placed on the support frame. Additionally, the left base bar and the right base bar comprise grooves, whereby a reader may selectively adjust the height of the support frame when said grooves cooperatively engage pins on the first left bar and the first right bar, respectively.

To utilize the support frame with the book stand, the reader rotates the shelf downward via the hinges toward the frame until the frame is proximate the shelf, wherein the book stand is flat. The reader then pivots the first and second left bars, into an ‘X’ configuration, and pivots the first and second right bar into an ‘X’ configuration. The reader then pivots the left and right base bars downward, thereby securing the first and second right bars and the first and second left bars. The reader then places the book stand onto the support frame and adjusts the angle of the shelf via the knobs. Also, the reader may adjust the support frame height by moving the first left bar and the first right bar grooves to engage pins on the left base bar and the right base bar.

If a reader is storing both the support frame and the book stand, the reader rotates the shelf via the hinges toward the frame until the frame is proximate the shelf, wherein the book stand is flat and readily and easily stored. The reader then pivots the left base bar upward, thereby unlocking the first left bar and the second left bar. Similarly, the reader pivots the right base bar upward, thereby unlocking the first right bar and the second right bar. The reader then folds together the first and second left bar and folds together the first and second right bar. The reader then folds the left base bar and the right base bar upward, resulting in a flat support frame that is ready for storage.

In an alternate embodiment, the book stand comprises the shelf and the two tension rods without a hinged frame or legs, wherein one of the two tension rod is disposed at the top of the shelf, and wherein one of the two tension rod is disposed at a bottom of the shelf.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow a user to read a book without requiring the reader to support the book. Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow a user to read while laying down by extending the two tension rods between two generally parallel support structures, for example while a user is in a hospital bed or in a bath tub.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow a user to read a book while standing by extending the two tension rods between two generally parallel support structures, for example, while in the shower, cooking or working out.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow the user the option of reading a book without the need for a flat surface to support a book frame.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow the user the option of reading a book by placing the book stand on a support frame.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is the ability of both the book stand and the support frame to easily fold flat for easy storage and/or transportation.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a book stand according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in flat position;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a book stand according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in use in invert ‘V’ position by a person in a shower;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a book stand according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown on a support frame; and

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a book stand according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown on a support frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is book stand 40, wherein book stand 40 comprises shelf 75 and frame 50. Shelf 75 comprises retaining edge 41, first tension rod 45 and clips 43, wherein clips 43 are adapted to secure book B to shelf 75. Shelf 75 is secured to frame 50 via hinges 60, wherein frame 50 comprises hingable legs 51 and second tension rod 44. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that shelf 75 could secure to frame 50 via any sort of fastener other than hinges 60, such as, for exemplary purposes a pivotal clasp and/or clip.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 2, in use, book stand 40 is pivoted open, wherein shelf 75 is unhinged from frame 50. Person P then places book B onto shelf 75 and attaches book B to shelf 75 via clips 43. Person P then lengthens first tension rod 45 and second tension rod 44 by twisting and pulling tension rods 45 and 44 horizontally until tension rods 45, 44, which are spring-tensioned, contact walls W. Tension rods 45 and 44 push against contact walls W, providing person P with a rigid support to hold book stand 40, whereby person P can read book B without further need for support. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that tension rods 45 and 44 could be shortened and/or lengthened via any sort of mechanism, such as for exemplary purposes a spring, a cam-lock or threaded engagement, or combinations thereof. Alternately, shelf 75 and frame 50, with corresponding tension rods 44, 45 can be hinged into a variety of support configurations, such as, shelf 75 collapsed proximate frame 50, an inverted ‘V’, and the like.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-4, support frame 100 preferably comprises first left bar 26, second left bar 21, pivoting leftbase bar 23, first right bar 27, second right bar 22, pivoting right base bar 24 wherein base bars 23, 24 comprise grooves 92, and wherein second left bar 21 and second right bar 22 each comprise knobs 30 at top end 80 and top end 81, respectively. First left bar 26 is pivotally secured to second left bar 21 and first right bar 27 is pivotally secured to second right bar 22. Both first left bar 26 and first right bar 27 move pivotally in tandem. Likewise, second left bar 21 and second right bar 22 move pivotally in tandem. Further, when left base bar 23 is flat, pivot end 150 of left base bar 23 secures second left bar 21. Also, end 151 of left base bar 23 secures first left bar 26, whereby first left bar 26 and second left bar 21 forms an ‘X’ configuration. Likewise, first right bar 27 and second right bar 22 are secured via right base bar 24.

When right base bar 24 is flat, pivot end 152 of right base bar 24 secures second right bar 22. Also, end 153 of right base bar 24 secures second right bar 22, whereby first right bar 27 and second right bar 22 form an ‘X’ configuration. Knobs 30 allow person P to adjust the angle of shelf 75 when book stand 40 is placed on the support frame 100. Additionally, side 200 of left base bar 23 and side 201 of right base bar 24 comprise grooves 92, by which person P may selectively adjust the height of support frame 100, wherein grooves 92 cooperatively engage first left bar 26 and first right bar 27.

To utilize support frame 100 with book stand 40, person P rotates shelf 75 downward via hinges 60 toward frame 50 until frame 50 is proximate shelf 75, wherein book stand 40 forms a flat configuration. Person P then pivots first and second left bars, 26 and 21, respectively, into an ‘X’ configuration, and pivots first and second right bars, 27 and 22, respectively, into an ‘X’ configuration. Person P the pivots left and right base bars, 23 and 24 downward, thereby securing first and second right bars, 27 and 22, respectively, and first and second left bars 26 and 21, respectively. Person P then places book stand 40 onto support frame 100 and adjusts the angle of shelf 75 via knobs 30. Also, person P may adjust the height of support frame 100 by moving first left bar 26 and first right bar 27 into grooves 92 along edge 200 of left base bar 23 and edge 201 of right base bar 24.

If person P is storing both support frame 100 and book stand 40, person P rotates shelf 75 via hinges 60 toward frame 50 until frame 50 is proximate shelf 75, wherein book stand 40 is flat, and whereby book stand 40 is readily and easily stored. Person P then pivots left base bar 23 upward, thereby unlocking first left bar 26 and second left bar 21. Similarly, person P pivots right base bar 24 upward, thereby unlocking first right bar 27 and second right bar 22. Person P then folds together first and second left bar, 26 and 21, respectively, and folds together first and second right bar, 27 and 22, respectively. Person P then folds left base bar 23 and right base bar 24 upward, resulting in a flat support frame 100 that is flat and ready for storage.

In an alternate embodiment, book stand 40 has no frame 50, hinges 60 or legs 51 and comprises shelf 75 and two tension rods 45 and 44, wherein tension rod 45 is disposed at top 300 of shelf 75 and tension rod 44 is disposed at bottom 350 of shelf 75.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims 

1. A book stand comprising: a shelf; and two tension rods.
 2. The book stand of claim 1 further comprising a frame, wherein said shelf attaches to said frame via a hinge.
 3. The book stand of claim 1, wherein said shelf comprises a retaining edge to support a book, one of said two tension rods and at least one clip.
 4. The book stand of claim 2, wherein said frame comprises two support legs and one of said two tension rods.
 5. The book stand of claim 1, wherein said two tension rods extend horizontally between and in contact with two generally parallel support structures when said shelf is in use.
 6. The book stand of claim 1, wherein said book stand cooperatively engages a support frame.
 7. The book stand of claim 6, wherein said support frame comprises a first left bar pivotally secured to a second left bar, and wherein said support frame further comprises a first right bar pivotally secured to a second right bar.
 8. The book stand of claim 7, wherein said first left bar and said first right bar move in tandem, and wherein said second left bar and said second right bar move in tandem.
 9. The book stand of claim 8, wherein said first left bar and said second left bar are secured at a selected angle by a left base bar that is secured to an end of said left base bar, and wherein said first right bar and said second right bar are secured at a selected angle by a right base bar that is secured to an end of said right base bar.
 10. The book stand of claim 9, wherein said second left bar and said second right bar each comprises a knob at top ends thereof, wherein said knobs angularly adjust said shelf when said shelf is placed on said support frame.
 11. A method of reading a book, said method comprising the steps of: unhinging a book stand into a shelf and a frame, wherein said book stand comprises two tension rods; placing the book onto said shelf; and clipping the book onto said shelf via at least one clip.
 12. The method of claim 11, said method further comprising the steps of: extending said two tension rods horizontally to support said book stand between and in contact with two generally parallel support structures.
 13. The method of claim 11, said method further comprising the steps of: hinging said shelf and said frame to a selected position; placing said shelf onto a support frame comprising at least one adjusting knob; and angularly adjusting said shelf via said at least one knob.
 14. An apparatus comprising: a hinged shelf; and two tension rods.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said hinged self comprises a edge to support a book.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said two tension rods extend horizontally between two generally parallel support structures when said hinged self is in use.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said hinged shelf cooperatively engages a support frame.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said support frame comprises a first left bar pivotally secured to a second left bar, and wherein said support frame further comprises a first right bar pivotally secured to a second right bar.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first left bar and said first right bar move in tandem, and wherein said second left bar and said second right bar move in tandem.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said first and second left bars are secured at a selected angle by a left base bar that is secured to an end of said left base bar, and wherein said first and second right bars are secured at a selected angle by a right base bar that is secured to an end of said right base bar. 